Taekwondo

Taekwondo
source
Name	Taekwondo
Caption	The official World Taekwondo pictogram
Focus	Striking, kicking
Hardness	Full-contact, semi-contact, light-contact
Country	Korea
Creator	Various Korean martial artists; formalized by Choi Hong-hi and others
Parenthood	Taekkyeon, Karate, Chinese martial arts
Olympic	Since 2000
Website	http://www.worldtaekwondo.org/

Taekwondo. It is a Korean martial art characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. The art was systemized in the mid-20th century by Korean martial artists, most notably General Choi Hong-hi, and has since become a global sport, most visibly through its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Modern practice encompasses self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation, and philosophy.

History

The modern discipline's roots are traced to the post-World War II era in South Korea, where various kwans (martial arts schools) were established, such as the Chung Do Kwan and Jidokwan. Key figures like Choi Hong-hi, a founding member of the Republic of Korea Army, played a pivotal role in its unification and naming in 1955. The art's development was influenced by indigenous practices like Taekkyeon and imported disciplines such as Japanese Karate, which was taught during the Japanese occupation. The establishment of the Korea Taekwondo Association in 1959 and later the International Taekwondo Federation in 1966 by Choi were crucial to its international spread. The rival World Taekwondo Federation (now World Taekwondo) was formed in 1973, leading to its eventual recognition by the International Olympic Committee and debut at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.

Philosophy and tenets

The philosophy is deeply intertwined with Korean culture and the concept of Neo-Confucianism. Its foundational tenets, often cited in the Student Oath, include courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. These principles are intended to guide conduct both inside and outside the dojang (training hall). The practice of poomsae (forms) and the study of theory often incorporate elements of Yin and yang and principles from the I Ching. The ultimate goal extends beyond physical prowess to the cultivation of a peaceful, strong character, a concept echoed in the Hwarang code of ancient Silla.

Techniques and training

Training systematically develops a wide arsenal of striking techniques, with a premier focus on powerful, precise kicks like the dollyo chagi (roundhouse kick), naeryeo chagi (axe kick), and dwi chagi (back kick). Hand techniques, including jireugi (punches) and chi gi (strikes), are also fundamental. Practice is structured around three core components: poomsae (pre-arranged forms), gyeorugi (sparring), and gyeokpa (breaking). Conditioning drills, such as sine wave motion for power generation, and step-sparring exercises like hanbon gyorugi, are integral. Training often takes place in a dojang and is overseen by a sabomnim (master instructor).

Ranks, belts, and promotion

The rank system uses colored belts to denote a practitioner's progression, typically beginning with white and advancing through yellow, green, blue, and red before achieving the black belt. The geup (grade) system numbers downward for color belts, while the dan (degree) system numbers upward for black belts. Promotion tests, governed by organizations like Kukkiwon or the International Taekwondo Federation, evaluate proficiency in techniques, poomsae, sparring, breaking, and theory. High-level dan promotions, such as those for grandmasters, are often conferred by panels of senior masters like those on the Kukkiwon Promotion Committee.

Competition

Olympic-style sport competition, governed by World Taekwondo, features full-contact sparring on a standardized mat area. Points are awarded for accurate, powerful techniques to the torso protector (hogu) and head, with electronic scoring systems like the Protector and Scoring System (PSS) now standard. Major events include the World Taekwondo Championships, the World Taekwondo Grand Prix, and the Asian Games. Other competitive formats include poomsae competitions, which judge the precision of forms, and team events like demonstration team contests at festivals such as the World Martial Arts Masterships.

Organizations and styles

The global landscape is defined by two major technical families: the Kukkiwon/World Taekwondo style, which is the Olympic sport standard, and the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) style, founded by Choi Hong-hi. Other significant organizations include the American Taekwondo Association, the World Traditional Taekwondo Union, and the Global Taekwondo Federation. Independent styles and hybrid systems also exist, such as Choi Kwang-Do and Songahm Taekwondo. Historically, the original kwans, including the Moo Duk Kwan and Chang Moo Kwan, were the foundational schools from which these modern organizations evolved.

Category:Martial arts Category:Korean martial arts Category:Olympic sports